• (.)(.)
• Thank you, Mr. Summers
• It’s insanity!
• Gimme a break
( . )( . )
I find something quite strange: In visual American media, both TV and in newspapers, we are easily served pictures of violent activity — wars, murders, shootings — but the same media gasp at the possibility of showing a naked breast of a woman in print or on TV.
The FCC would fine them thousands, there would be a public outcry. Why is violence shown, and the naturalness of the human body, not depicted violent in any way, fined and censored?
Here may be an uncustomary yet likely valid reason: Routinely feeding the mass consciousness with images of violence helps keep the masses scared, contained, in reaction mode and buying products they then think they need to protect themselves — security systems, the next flu shots for a new pandemic, a military machine to protect “us” from all sorts of “thems.”
Maybe we’re instead the rogue country bullying our way around the world. Is that possible?
Showing the non-violent body beautiful regularly, like an unclothed female breast, would shift people’s minds from fear and violence to openness, artistry, appreciation, relaxedness, comfort and being nurtured. This supports feelings of well-being, not anxiousness. People are soothed, open and ponder dreams outside the box of what fear and separation conditioning fosters.
Krishnamurti, an Indian sage in the 1950s is quoted, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”
John Tyler Cragg, Wailua Homesteads
Thank you, Mr. Summers
As a recent visitor to Kaua‘i, and one that hiked the Kalalau Trail, I am awed by the incredible efforts Mr. Bill Summers renders on a voluntary basis to maintain, repair and enhance this unbelievable treasure.
Through his personal expense and unyielding persistence, the eroding Kalalau Trail is still navigable. However, I am certain that without his dedicated efforts there would be several impassable sections of the trail now.
I believe everyone — the state, the county, residents and visitors alike — should support Summers’ valuable efforts in any way possible to ensure that this, one of the greatest hiking trails in the world, stays open and functional.
It is incredibly ironic that the Kalalau Trail, which attracts thousands of visitors to Kaua‘i on an annual basis, has no agency or organization that actively maintains the trail. Only Summers, on a voluntary basis that costs him his own money, resources and time, maintains the trail.
On behalf of thousands of people who have enjoyed the Kalalau Trail, thank you. Not only have you kept the trail navigable, but by doing so, you’ve saved an untold number of lives.
Ron Curtis, South Padre Island, Texas
It’s insanity!
The Lingle administration’s answer to our budget problem is, among other things, to cut education. This is insanity!
I realize the state needs to cut spending. But where these cuts are made is a matter of priorities. Apparently education is not too high on the list, and it should be on the top.
Our children are our future. The state is cutting the number of days our children will be taught. That means our children will learn less, and be less prepared to compete with the rest of the country and the rest of the world.
What are our priorities? I’m willing to drive on a bumpy road for awhile longer, or wait in a line for a longer time when I need state services. I don’t claim to know where cuts could be made that aren’t already being made.
I know that many things the state spends money on are very important, but more important than Hawai‘i’s children and their futures? Someone tell me what is more important than that. It’s insanity!
Bruce Savage, Kalaheo
Gimme a break
Ryan Kishida’s sarcastic “I’m so sorry” letter to the forum makes an excellent point.
It seems the “gimme mentality” that is so prevalent in American society has gone beyond our spoiled youth. It now permeates our corporate “mind think” and creates lose/lose situations.
We recently called to make a tee time at a large hotel and golf course. We were dismayed to hear that the rates for locals had increased because of the poor economy. The pro shop told us that they were, “asking the community to kokua.”
So, along with Ryan’s wedding guests that won’t be staying in hotel rooms, some locals won’t be playing on their golf courses. How does this policy help either side of the equation?
Businesses should take personal responsibility for their own bottom lines. They should review their marketing strategies. And they should offer incentives to create win/win scenarios instead of asking the community to “kokua.” Gimme? Gimme a break.
Gayla McCarthy, Kekaha
